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Help! Which Scope to Buy?

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Byalongshot View Drop Down
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    Posted: October/12/2009 at 00:20
        I am new to the forum and this is my first post. I would like to recieve opinions on a new rifle scope purchase for a left-handed Rem. model 700  BDL (older model) in 308 cal.
        My last centerfire scope purchase was from SWFA eleven years ago before I had internet access. It was a Nikon Monarch (6520) 3-9x40. It had served me well and taken many deer and hogs down here in the deep South. However, I dropped my gun and bent the scope beyond any correction for this deer season. I will see if Nikon can repair it later, but now I need a new scope.
        I primarily hunt bean fields ( 200-300 yard shots are common) and black water swamps (dark, murkey conditions). Down here we can hunt well past sunset when a 40 mm objective lense is inadequate for shots beyond 120 - 150 yards. I need more light gathering potential. My budget is $500. - $900. range. I have researched, and looked through many a scope but am totally confused at this point: there are so many options now that I didn't have open to me 11 years ago. I value the experienceed opinions of the members of this forum.
        Below is a list of scopes I am considering. The Meopta  Meostar , Swarvoski AV, and Trijicon Accupoint seemed to give the best performance to my eye. But I have not been able to compare it to the Zeiss Conquest, the Sightron SII Big Sky, or either of the Kahles. I am leaning toward the Meopta Meostar (50 mm obj.) because of the rave reviews I hear from everyone around here in my area and because of what I saw looking through it. But I know very little about the scope.
        From your experience which one of these scopes do you guys think will give me the best optical performance. Image quality, resolution, clarity, and low light performance are the most important qualities to me, more important than illuminated reticles or the economics of my purchase (just as long as it remains in my budget range).
 
I know these scopes have large objective lenses but they are what I want and my rifle has a larger than standard contour barrel which  I believe can bear the larger scope.
 
TRIJICON AccuPoint - 2.5-10x56

LEUPOLD 3.5-10x50 VX-3

SWAROVSKI HABICHT AV 4-12x50 L
ZEISS CONQUEST  3.5-10x50 MC

KAHLES C L 3-10x 50

KAHLES HELIA KX 3.5-10x50

SIGHTRON SII BIG SKI 3.5-10x50

BUSHNELL ELITE 4200 2.5-10x50

MONARCH GOLD 2.5-10x50

MEOPTA MEOSTAR R1 3-10x50

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magshooter1 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote magshooter1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/12/2009 at 08:07
I 'd get the Swaro, Kahles or Zeiss in that order.
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Byalongshot View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Byalongshot Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/12/2009 at 09:11
Thanks for your reply magshooter1.
I agree, when I looked through the Swarvoski, it ranked one of the highest, if not the highest. Plus, I liked the light weight, and the excellent FOV of the scope.
 
 But  the Swarvosky website reports that the AV only gets 90% light transmission and many of these other scopes boast a higher light transmission of 95%. I didn't have a chance to look through the scope in low light as I did with some of these others. So I don't know how to compare them.
 
In your experience, how good is the light transmission of the AV? Why do you rank the Euro. models the highest? And why higher than Meopta. Thanks!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/12/2009 at 10:46
Originally posted by Byalongshot Byalongshot wrote:

Thanks for your reply magshooter1.
I agree, when I looked through the Swarvoski, it ranked one of the highest, if not the highest. Plus, I liked the light weight, and the excellent FOV of the scope.
 
 But  the Swarvosky website reports that the AV only gets 90% light transmission and many of these other scopes boast a higher light transmission of 95%.
 
The light transmission % numbers touted in specs are useless b.s. for the most part, because they don't specify how that measurement is taken.  Is it per lens?  The whole optical system (in which 95% transmission across the entire spectrum is highly unlikely), all lenses combined?  For all wavelengths or just one color, e.g. green? 
 
Among the scopes on your list, unless you plan to buy used, the Swaro is a bit out of your upper price limit.  Kahles scopes are getting harder to find here in the US, unless you're buying used or a closeout item.  This is due to the fact they no longer have a US-based importer. 
 
I have no experience with Meopta scopes, but those who do have nothing but praise for them.  I've heard mixed reports about their customer service, but again, I have no personal experience with their products or service.  I was impressed with their Meostar binocular during the short time I spent comparing it to other binoculars in the same class.
 
The Trijicon has by far the most useful reticle in low light, being illuminated.  The others don't even come close in terms of reticle acquisition in low light.  It's in the same league optically as the Conquest, to my eyes.  I would personally get it if I were you.
 
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lucytuma Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/12/2009 at 10:57
Not really any losers in your list, all good reputable companies.  If money is no object go with the kahles or swaro. The rest of the scopes listed are all very close.  I do have a meostar in 4-12x40 and am very please with it.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bugsNbows Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/12/2009 at 12:22
For all intents and purposes, any scope on your list will suffice. They all have +'s and -'s. Guess it comes down to $ and personal preferences. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote magshooter1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/12/2009 at 13:07
I didn't mention the Meopta because I have no experience with them nor do I know anyone who has.  Like RifleDude said the light trans number mean squat.  I have seen where some boast 95% light trans at "A" meaning one certain wavelength.  Elite 3200's claim 90% trans whereas Fullfield II's claim 95% but, a lot of people on OT think that the 3200's are brighter.  I ranked the Euro's highest because they are IMO the best.  I currently own only Zeiss out of those brands.  I would like to try a Meopta but have not had the opportunity.  Don't get me wrong, everything on your list is good.  I just listed my top choices from your list.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/12/2009 at 13:16
I've had the opportunity to shoot with a couple of Meostars and I like them really well.  The 4b reticle, I like better than some of their other options.  Meopta rates light transmission per lens, which is the only truly honest way to do it.  The glass is superb.  Quite a nice scope, really. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Randall45 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/12/2009 at 14:44
I would also consider the Docter 3-12x56 30mm tube.I have used this scope on a recent hunt and was able to shoot a coyote in an open field at dark with a full moon no problem.Very bright clear and built tough.I believe Docter scopes are made in the Zeiss factory in Germany.I own a S2 Big Sky and really like how well the scope performs in low light and inclement weather,  Sightron has a no question replacement warranty.Any of the above listed scopes are fine.   
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Byalongshot Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/12/2009 at 20:54
Thanks for all the replies. I've been at work all day and just now getting a chance to respond.
 
I've always wondered about those light transmission numbers - thought they may be unreliable but wasn't sure.
 
From what all of you have said so far, I have narrowed my choices down to the following five choices. The listed prices are all quotes from SWFA.
 
SWAROVSKI HABICHT AV $899.95
TRIJICON AccuPoint  $806.95
MEOPTA MEOSTAR R1 $649.95
ZEISS CONQUEST $749.95
SIGHTRON SII BIG SKI $459.95
 
<
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote brodeur272 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/14/2009 at 10:41
Sightron and Trijicon are good values.  I'd look for the Swaro, Kahles and Zeiss as magshooter said earlier.  Some can be found on the Sample List for discounts...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Byalongshot Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/14/2009 at 12:31

I have decided to purchase a new gun in left hand action, 260 cal., a combination I've been trying to find at an affordable price for a long time. That has changed my budget alot.

I've now norrowed my options to  first a Kahles cl 4-12x52, clearance item, for about $650.00, and second a  Sightron II Big Sky 3.5-10x50 for $459.95. The Meopta Meostar 3-10x50 at 649.95 is a distant third.
 
I would have already bought the Sightron because of my reduced budget, but the Kahles at that price is hard to resist. I am somewhat concerned, however, about the difficulties of getting the Kahles serviced if ever needed.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Byalongshot Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/14/2009 at 15:35
OK, if anyone is still reading, I have decided to buy a Kahles, clearance model. The qestion is, do I buy the CL 3-10x50 or the CL 4-12x52 (with side parallax adj.) ? There are only $20.00 difference in the prices.
 
It would seem a no-brainer to go with the 52mm obj. But, will I lose any optical performance, especially image quality, with the higher magnification range?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Byalongshot Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/20/2009 at 21:58
I have decided to buy the rifle, a left hand .260 Rem for $878.00, which lowers my budget alot. I would purchase the Sightron, but I can't resist the deal I found on a clearance Kahles CL 3-10x50 for $599.00.
 
Now I need another scope for the new gun. Let's see ... which scope will I choose?
 
AUGH!!!!!.... that will have to wait for another day when I have more funds. Oh, to the tribulations and the thrills of feeding the obsessions of a shooter and hunter!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote brodeur272 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/21/2009 at 10:33
I would say you have it pretty rough.  LOL Enjoy the Kahles.  I think you will be happy with it!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote A80 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/21/2009 at 13:53
According to the finish test posted soon - Meopta and Trijicon with 56 lens are better(for low light hunting) than any other scope with 50 or less lenses, even Zeiss Victory, Swarovski and s.o
My opinion - the scope should be illuminated
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/21/2009 at 14:11
The Swaro would be high on my list, but I LOVE the Trijicon, it is money well spent and ideally suited to low light hunting!

There's more to low light hunting than light transmission.





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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Byalongshot Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/21/2009 at 21:25
According to the finish test posted soon - Meopta and Trijicon with 56 lens are better(for low light hunting) than any other scope with 50 or less lenses, even Zeiss Victory, Swarovski and s.o
My opinion - the scope should be illuminated
 
 
I saw the results of that test posted on this forum. Great info, but it came too late. I already ordered the Kahles before I saw them.
 
Probably my next scope will be either the Trijicon or the Meopta. I really liked both scopes when I looked through them outside the gun shop in fading daylight. I believe I would give the edge to the meopta for clarity and resolution. and to the Trijicon for the fiber optics.
 
But, which ever scope i choose, it will have to wait until I have more $$$$$.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Byalongshot Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/21/2009 at 21:29
Rancid, You've got me leaning toward the Trijicon for my next scope.
 
By the way, that's a great shot on a fine hog. Should be some goooood eating.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/22/2009 at 02:07
I like the Trijicon especially if you hunt in low light.

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